Newer Late Alu Control Arm - Can't Rebuild?

[OK-944]

Having removed the control arms from my ‘87NA project…I discovered that one of these looked a bit different (see on left in photo below) - featuring an additional hole and tab (with hole).

Digging a bit further about this version of aluminum control arm, I come to see that I cannot use the currently available ball joint kit…that in fact a ball joint replacement is impossible. Is this true?

Kind of pissed that of the two control arms, it is this later version which exhibited a torn boot. But the ball still looks good, and seems to operate smoothly - so I guess I’ll just add some grease and install a new boot and hope for the best. At any rate…as a heads up for those who might not know this, here are the two versions of the late aluminum control arm (newest, “non rebuildable” one on left):

[Rasta Monsta]

And what about the later piece renders it non-rebuildable? Different ball or something?

[walfreyydo]

They are fully sealed from below with no epoxy or snap ring/way to remove the ball and socket from below as with the rebuildable aluminum arms.

[kdjones2000]

I have posted about this multiple times over the years.

Left = rebuildable, Right = non-rebuildable:

[Stoneguy]

Just my two cents. I may be wrong but it almost looks like someone swapped out one of your control arms at some point with a 968 control arm. I notice the castings are slightly different and I believe the 968 control arms are NOT rebuildable.

[TibetanT]

That is what it looks like to me as well.

Doesn't the newer (1987 n/a --> on ) have a part number that starts with 951.XXX.XXX.XX ?

If my memory serves me right.

[jjeffries]

The new craze: Backdate Your Lower Control Arms with Steelies! $21 each and they fit either side! $10 Ball Joints! $40 for both bushings! You heard it here.

John

[Rasta Monsta]

Originally Posted by jjeffries

The new craze: Backdate Your Lower Control Arms with Steelies! $21 each and they fit either side! $10 Ball Joints! $40 for both bushings! You heard it here.

John

Only works with early offset care.

[dme]

Originally Posted by Rasta Monsta

Only works with early offset care.

The early 944 steel control arms would fit my 86 951?

[kdjones2000]

Originally Posted by Stoneguy

Just my two cents. I may be wrong but it almost looks like someone swapped out one of your control arms at some point with a 968 control arm. I notice the castings are slightly different and I believe the 968 control arms are NOT rebuildable.

All new arms are the 968 type.

[walfreyydo]

Originally Posted by dme

The early 944 steel control arms would fit my 86 951?

Although I am almost 100% sure the 86 turbos are early offset, you will want to confirm whether thats the case.

One easy way to check (if you are running OEM wheels) is to look at which wheels you are running and run the part number (located on the back of the wheel) to determine what the offset is.

Phone dials (which is what came factory on the 86 turbos) come in both early and late offset, but its very easy to tell based on how much more "lip" early offset phone dials have over late offset phone dials without even looking at the part number.

[Rasta Monsta]

Originally Posted by walfreyydo

although i am almost 100% sure the 86 turbos are early offset, you will want to confirm whether thats the case.

110%

[dme]

Originally Posted by Rasta Monsta

110%

120%
I've always been sure of the offset, I just didn't know for sure whether the control arms were the same between the NA and turbo. I've heard rumors that they were interchangeable, but I never pursued it any further.

[OK-944]

Yup...my car's history indicates that this control arm was switched out in 2002 - along with a phone dial wheel, so there must've been some kind of impact.

At any rate...bummer that this newer style arm cannot be rebuilt!

[Rasta Monsta]

I bet that something suitable is out there. Many newer cars have cartridge style ball joints. . .just need to find something that will fit there after some machining.

Such as:

[jjeffries]

I was wondering if 944 online dot com might have a solution and indeed they show rebuilt arms, 87 and up for $295 (and new for almost a grand each). They are good blokes at solving problems for these cars and have likely come up with a solution like Rasta suggested.

John

John

[OK-944]

John, the 944 online folks are indeed great problem solvers - but the price you quoted assumes the exchange of a rebuildable core, otherwise add 200.00.

Rasta...was thinking also that there must be something out there like that - but I'd be leery of too much messing with aluminum at such a critical and stressed location.

[jjeffries]

So they wouldn't take your 968-style arm?

John

[azbanks]

Here are some options I found with a google search.

https://www.boostbrothersgarage.com/products/high-strung-944-tubular-front-control-arms?variant=34522469171244

https://www.ogracing.com/products/fabcar-racing-control-arm-4

Racer's Edge -- Racer's Edge Geometry-correcting A-arm NEW!

[OK-944]

John - generally to be accepted as a "core" the part in question must be rebuildable. But I'll phone Ian or Steve next week to discuss.

AZ - those arms look amazing (as well as high $$), but not necessary for my street-only driving. But thanks!